With the Covid vaccination programme continuing to be successfully rolled out across the country, there is still some hesitation among some expectant mothers to get the vaccine. This is despite a record number of pregnant women being recently admitted to intensive care with Covid, with reports suggesting that the vast majority of pregnant women being admitted to hospital with Covid are unvaccinated.
To help alleviate any worries expectant or new mothers may have about getting a Covid vaccine, we share important help and advice from midwives at our vaccination sites. This includes information about having the vaccine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and helping to clear up some of the false information that has been shared online.
If you are pregnant
The Covid vaccination is safe any time during pregnancy and the recommended advice is that pregnant women should get vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally receiving both doses before the third trimester as this is the best way to protect themselves and their baby against illness.
Risk factors for pregnant women
Your chances of becoming seriously ill from catching Covid may be increased if you have underlying medical conditions such as:
- immune problems
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- asthma
Or if you are:
- overweight
- over the age 35
- in your third trimester of pregnancy (over 28 weeks)
- of black and Asian minority ethnic background
Getting Pregnant
The Covid vaccination is also safe to have if you are trying to get pregnant. There is no evidence that it affects fertility, and if you fall pregnant after your first dose, you can still have the second dose while pregnant.
If you are breastfeeding
The vaccine is safe to have if you are breastfeeding. The vaccine is not a ‘live’ vaccine so you cannot catch Covid from the vaccine and you cannot pass it to your baby through your breast milk.
You can find out more information on the Covid vaccine for expecting and new mothers here>
We understand the challenges that come with pregnancy and becoming a new parent, that's why our sister service, Chemist Direct, has the essentials you need. From nutrition to nappies, you can browse their Mother and Baby Shop here>
